William Campbell

Mitchell Library, Glasgow Collection

A Thomas Annan photograph of William Campbell of Tillichewan (1793-1864). The painting was by Sir Daniel Macnee.

In 1817 Campbell established the retail and wholesale drapery and dry goods (textiles, fabrics and other cloth products) firm J & W Campbell & Co with his brother James. The company opened extensive stores and factories in Britain and developed trading links across the world. In 1841 he purchased the Tullichewan estate in Dunbartonshire.

A friend of Thomas Chalmers and a staunch supporter of the Free Church after 1843, Campbell was involved in many charitable causes. He was co-founder of the Glasgow Night Asylum for the Houseless and a supporter of Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Indigent Gentlewoman's Fund. When plans were mooted to open the Botanic Gardens to the public during the Glasgow Fair holiday, Campbell donated £500 to help make the idea possible. He served as a councillor from 1846 to 1852.

Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 920.041435 COR

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning